11/26/2011

Iran pipeline not a good idea: US

LAHORE - US Ambassador to Pakistan Cameron Munter has said that Pak-Iran gas pipeline project ‘is not a good idea’, suggesting that Pakistan should get the required gas from Turkmenistan instead.

Talking to media persons here Friday, Ambassador Munter said that Tehran was not a ‘reliable partner’ and advised Pakistan to ‘open up’ to India instead.

He said this was not a dictation from the US but a friendly advice. “Iran isn’t a reliable partner. It’s your choice but we think it is wise to open up with India,” Munter said replying to a question from a student.

Munter’s comments came as Obama administration, stepped up efforts to internationally isolate Tehran for its alleged nuclear weapons programme.

The US ambassador also asserted that his country was fighting the war on terror in line with the wishes of Pakistan government and the people. He said the US recognises the sacrifices by Pakistan in fight against militancy but stressed that military assistance to Pakistan is linked with the war on terror. He pointed out that the US government accepted a demand by Pakistan army chief and withdraw the personnel from the country.

To a question, Ambassador Munter said the US has taken the memo issue and resignation of Husain Haqqani seriously and if asked, US would cooperate in the investigation. However, he said it was the responsibility of the Pakistan government to hold an inquiry.

About Sherry Rehman, Munter said they know her well and hoped that they would jointly work to strengthen relations between the two countries. He said a strong and stable Pakistan was in the interest of the United States and keeping this in view they were working to strengthen bilateral relations.

Earlier, Ambassador Munter and his wife, Dr Marilyn Wyatt addressed more than 150 students at the Lahore University of Management Sciences (LUMS). Munter said: “It will take the leadership of students like you to make Pakistan stable, democratic, and prosperous.”

Ambassador Munter said: “LUMS exemplifies the type of partnership between Pakistan and the United States. LUMS has partnerships with eminent American institutions like Harvard and the University of Chicago. LUMS has partnerships with leading American businesses like Pepsi and Citibank. Together, we can do great things.“ He said both the countries have a role in ensuring a stable, democratic, and prosperous region.

Dr Wyatt inspired young students at the Children’s Literature Festival held in Lahore Friday. Reading from the American classic Tom Sawyer by Mark Twain, Dr Wyatt remarked on the power of books to inspire the best in children. The US mission provided a $10,000 grant to support the two-day festival.